星期五, 3月 13, 2020

City of Boston Funding update


The Funding Update


The MacDowell Colony, 4/15/2020
Emerging and established artists may apply for the fall fellowship program in the following disciplines: architecture, film/video arts, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theater, and visual arts. The fellowship includes exclusive use of a private studio, accommodations, and three prepared meals a day for a period of two weeks to two months.

National Endowment for the Humanities, 5/15/2020
Challenge Grants strengthen the institutional base of the humanities by enabling infrastructure development and capacity building. Funding categories” capital projects and digital infrastructure. Max award: $750,000. NEH will review a draft application if submitted by 4/3/2020.

Office for Victims of Crime, 4/20/2020 to 5/11/2020
a) OVC expects to make 12 awards of $500K to help improve outcomes, minimize additional trauma, and restore safety and security to older adult victims of abuse and financial exploitation.
b) OVC expects to make 25 grants of $700K to support direct services to children and youth who are crime victims as a result of the nation's addiction crisis.
Additional grants are available.

Agricultural Marketing Service, 5/11/2020
The Farmers Market Promotion Program funds projects that develop, coordinate and expand direct producer-to-consumer markets to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products by developing, coordinating, expanding, and providing outreach, training, and technical assistance to domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, online sales or other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. A 25% match is required.

Agricultural Marketing Service, 5/11/2020
The Local Food Promotion Program supports local and regional food business enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer to consumer marketing to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. Grants can be used for the planning stages of establishing or expanding a local and regional food business enterprise or to improve or expand a food business that supports locally and regionally produced agricultural products and food system infrastructure by performing feasibility studies, market research, training and technical assistance  for the business enterprise and/or for producers working with the business enterprise. A 25% match is required. 

Action for Healthy Kids, 4/3/2020
Game On Grants support physical activity and nutrition initiatives. Game On: Social Emotional Health Grants support schools serving military families. Parents for Healthy Kids Grants support physical activity or nutrition projects led in partnership with schools. 

National Health Service Corps, 4/23/2020
Scholarships are available to students pursuing eligible primary care health professions training. In return, scholars commit to provide primary care health services in Health Professional Shortage Areas. Application webinar: 3/25/2020.

Ben and Jerry’s Foundation, 4/15/2020
Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded to advance social and environmental justice and support sustainable and just food systems. Priority strategies include community and ally outreach; leadership development; constituent empowerment and decision-making; popular education; root cause analysis; power analysis; campaign development; mobilizing constituents and allies; coalition building; and direct action.

THE RESOURCE TABLE

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE FUNDING UPDATE

Visit the Intergovernmental Relations Resource Page for a wide variety of  fundraising tips.


Statement from Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross on President Donald J. Trump's Declaration of a National Emergency

Statement from Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross on President Donald J. Trump's Declaration of a National Emergency

WASHINGTON – President Trump continued his strong leadership in the face of this crisis by declaring a National Emergency today to make more resources rapidly available to continue fighting COVID-19. It is this very leadership that has saved countless lives since the outbreak began.
We are all grateful to the American companies that are stepping up and doing their part to ensure the American public has access to the tests and supplies needed to combat this outbreak. The Department of Commerce will continue to do our part keeping America safe and healthy and supporting American businesses to do the same.
For more information on coronavirus, please visit: cdc.gov/COVID19.

Civil Rights Leaders and California Official Discuss the 2020 Census and Census Data Confidentiality


Civil Rights Leaders and California Official Discuss the 2020 Census and Census Data Confidentiality
WASHINGTON – Leading civil rights organizations and a California census official held a telephone press briefing today to discuss the 2020 Census, protections around census data confidentiality, and the work being done to encourage participation across the country. 
Audio of this call is available here.
Beth Lynk, Census Counts campaign director, The Leadership Conference Education Fund, said: "Everyone has a part to play in the 2020 Census, and it's your right to participate. Filling out the census brings money to our schools, health care to our families, and political power to our communities. We deserve resources to make our neighborhoods strong – that's why Census Counts is making sure everyone feels comfortable getting counted in the census."
“We understand some people are concerned about the confidentiality of their information and they can be assured that no one can lawfully share any personal identifying information from census responses,” stated John C. Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC. “More importantly, the Census Bureau and its employees are not allowed to share personal census responses with ANY other government agency, government official, or outside entity for any reason and we stand ready to hold them accountable to the law.”
“We are still dealing with a substantial amount of fear around the census, especially in the Latino Community. In surveys conducted since the Trump Administration failed in their attempt to add a citizenship question to the census, about half of Latinos still thought it would appear on the form. This is a significant concern for us,” stated Lizette Escobedo, director of National Census Program for NALEO Educational Fund. “NALEO Educational Fund is doing our part to ensure Latino communities across the country are equipped with the facts about Census 2020 through our ¡Hágase Contar! (Make Yourself Count!) Campaign and our toll-free bilingual hotline—877-EL-CENSO (877-352-3767). We are working to ensure that every Latino in the country has the information they need to count themselves and their family members.”
The threat of a significant undercount of the Black community in the 2020 Census is greater than ever.  The National Urban League finds this premise completely unacceptable considering the great damage this would inflict on the Black community and our families,” stated Jeri Green, 2020 Census senior advisor, National Urban League. “We have convened a 2020 Census Black Roundtable coalition of national civil rights leaders, Black clergy, Black immigrant advocates, state and local officials to align our mutual resources, messaging and strategies for an accurate Black Count.  Under the Urban League's broader, 2020 Census Make Black Count campaign, we are fighting collectively to ensure that the Black population loses no ground--political, economic or civil rights as a result of the 2020 census. The stakes are too high. We must Make Black Count in the 2020 Census.”
Lycia Maddocks, vice president of external affairs, National Congress of American Indians, said: “While American Indians and Alaska Natives historically have one of the highest undercount rates of any group, the 2020 Census is our opportunity to empower our communities to be visible. This census is critical to laying the foundation for our people, our nations, and our future.”
“A complete and accurate count of California’s population is essential for our future,” stated Ditas Katague, director, California Complete Count Office 2020 Census. “That’s why California is making an unprecedented investment to reach the hardest-to-count Californians. California is a home for all, and everyone here has a voice.”
The Leadership Conference Education Fund builds public will for federal policies that promote and protect the civil and human rights of all persons in the United States. The Education Fund’s campaigns empower and mobilize advocates around the country to push for progressive change in the United States. It was founded in 1969 as the education and research arm of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. For more information on The Education Fund, visit civilrights.org/edfund/.
More information about The Education Fund’s Census Counts campaign is available at censuscounts.org.

麻州3月13日確診病例18宗 假定陽性105宗 總數跳升至123宗


即日起撥打2-1-1 可查麻州COVID-19最新資訊 150多種語言


(Boston Orange編譯)麻州公共衛生廳(DPH)313日宣佈,即日起,麻州的24小時電話熱線2-1-1,將透過傳譯服務專線,以150多種語言提供COVID-19的即時訊息,資源及轉介。
藉由與麻州2-1-1合作,麻州公共衛生廳的課題專家們可助人們一週七天,每天24小時的獲取資訊,並容許接聽電話的人提供麻州內有關COVID-19疫情的最新資訊。在電話打進來的高峰期,麻州公共衛生廳供作人員會宗家接聽電話小組人力,以確保居民的問題立刻得到解答。這是在麻州政府每日更新之病毒資訊網站mass.gov/covid19之外的新服務。
麻州公共衛生局局長Monica Bharel表示,在確保每一個麻州居民取得所需資訊,以保家人健康、安全上,麻州2-1-1是很珍貴的夥伴。
             即日起,麻州居民撥打2-1-1,可得到下列資訊:
             -新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)的預防,症狀及治療方法
             -關於檢測的資訊
             -人們計畫外出旅遊或回家的指導原則
             居民有問題,可以用手機或地線撥打2-1-1,並聽到自動化的項目選擇。撥打電話者按下2-6,來聽取有關新型冠狀病毒資訊。麻州居民也可藉由網路上的麻州2-1-1網站來在線對話。
            昨天,有兩家實驗室獲聯邦批准,在麻州做COVID-19檢測。臨床醫生可以把麻州內疑似新型冠狀病毒患者的樣本,送交給已在營運的商營實驗室了。這些檢測不需要經過麻州公共衛生廳批准。
             麻州公共衛生廳向美國健康及人民服務部正式要求,提供國家戰略儲備(National Strategic Stockpile)的個人保護設備,昨天也收到了第一批貨,包括手術袍,手套,眼睛保護及面罩等,已經分送給地方上的公共醫療執業人員。有一部分快馬加鞭地昨天已送達Berkshire醫療中心。
            今日稍早,麻州中小學教育廳和麻州公共衛生廳發佈有關新型冠狀病毒的中小學指導,內容包括:
             即日起在未來可見的一段日子裏,所有學校必須取消或改期舉行250人或以上的大型活動或聚會。參加者不能保持建議的6英尺這所謂社交距離的其他活動,也強烈鼓勵學校延期或取消。
                  所有學校必須實施擴大環境清潔政策,不論校內是否有COVID-19確診病例,,學校必須每天使用EPA註冊的消毒劑來清潔,消毒人們經常碰觸的表面。
             目前政府當局的指導原則不建議全州性的關閉學校,但准許校區內有新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)病例的學校,靈活做決定。
             完整的中小學關於COVID-19的指導原則,可在網上查到。
             週二時,麻州長已宣佈麻州進入緊急狀態,以支持麻州因應新型冠狀病毒。麻州政府已更新了給一般大眾的指導,尤其鼓勵年長程仁,以及那些有健康問題的人避免到人多的地方或大型活動。政府也公佈了新政策來保護長期照顧場所中的個別人士,以及那些因為呼吸問題而在社區中被集中照顧的病人。
             住在家有年長父母等容易受傷害人士的個人,應該避免到人多的地方,以減少危險。這些指導原則都張貼在麻州公共衛生廳網站上,mass.gov/covid19

川普宣佈美國進入緊急狀態 將撥款500億元給州市政府因應

              (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導)美國50州有10餘州陸續宣佈進入緊急狀態後,美國總統川普(Donald Trump)(313)日下午3點多宣佈,新型冠狀病毒的大流行,已使美國進入緊急狀態。
              川普在玫瑰花園開記者會表示,他正式宣佈全國性緊急狀況,將撥款500億元給地方州市政府因應疫情爆發。
              川普還表示他也要給健康及人民服務部部長Alex Azar緊急權力,可豁免於聯邦法規或法令的讓醫生,醫院在治療病人上有靈活度。
                          大部分感染者的症狀,輕微或中等,諸如發燒,咳嗽等,但是對某些人,特別是年紀較長的長輩,身體健康原本就有問題,可能造成更嚴重病情,包括肺炎。

川普記者會白宮現場直播截屏。
              根據世衛組織,大部分的人都復原了,症狀輕微的在大約兩星期內就痊癒了,那些病情嚴重的,會花三到六星期來痊癒。
              川普說白宮和國會還在討論補助方案,眾議院將於週五就眾院方案投票。
大部分感染者的症狀,輕微或中等,諸如發燒,咳嗽等,但是對某些人,特別是年紀較長的長輩,身體健康原本就有問題,可能造成更嚴重病情,包括肺炎。

川普記者會白宮現場直播截屏。
              根據世衛組織,大部分的人都復原了,症狀輕微的在大約兩星期內就痊癒了,那些病情嚴重的,會花三到六星期來痊癒。
             在回應記者提問時,川普坦言中國提供的相關新型冠狀病毒資料及數據,確有幫助。美國境內的檢測應該還不到非常缺乏的地步。
President Trump Holds a News Conference. 
https://youtu.be/feycmqjsLNw

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:
Pursuant to section 201 of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1621), I hereby report that I have exercised my authority to declare that the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the United States constitutes a national emergency.  This declaration invokes section 1135 of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1320b–5, to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exercise the authority under that section to temporarily waive or modify certain requirements of the Medicare, Medicaid, and State Children’s Health Insurance programs and of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy Rule throughout the duration of the public health emergency declared in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
I am enclosing a copy of the proclamation I have issued.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
March 13, 2020.

Baker: MA prohibiting gatherings of over 250 people

Governor Baker Issues Order Limiting Large Gatherings in the Commonwealth
Most gatherings of over 250 people will be prohibited

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker issued an emergency order prohibiting most gatherings of over 250 people in an effort to limit the spread of the Coronavirus. The order includes, but is not limited, to the following events: community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions, fundraisers, parades, fairs, festivals, and any similar event or activity that brings together 250 or more persons in a single room or single space at the same time in a venue such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theatre, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space. 

“Everyone has a role to play in stopping the spread of the Coronavirus, and by limiting large gatherings, we can further mitigate the spread of the disease,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “It is important to take these steps now to further protect the residents of the Commonwealth, and we will continue to encourage residents to maintain social distancing, and practice healthy personal hygiene to stop the spread of the virus.”

“Limiting attendance at large events will help our communities address Coronavirus at this crucial time,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Our administration will continue to work with partners at all levels of government to address the virus and we urge residents to continue to pay close attention to official guidance to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.”

The Governor also directed the Department of Public Health (DPH) to issue guidance implementing the terms of the Emergency Order. The full DPH guidance is as follows:

  1. Gatherings subject to this Order include, but are not limited to: community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions, fundraisers, parades, fairs, festivals, and any similar event or activity that brings together 250 or more persons in a single room or single space at the same time in a venue such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theatre, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space. 

  1. The Order does not apply to normal operations at airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls and centers, polling locations, grocery or retail stores, or other spaces where 250 or more persons may be in transit.

  1. The Order does not apply to restaurants, provided that they should, when possible, encourage social distancing.

  1. The Order does not apply to typical office environments, government buildings, or factories where large numbers of people are present, but it is unusual for them to be within arm’s length of one another.

  1. The Order does not apply to higher education or K-12 schools when classes are in session; provided, that assemblies or classes of more than 250 people are prohibited.

  1. The Order does not apply to events that exclude spectators; provided, however, that members of the media may attend the event. Athletic and other events do not need to be cancelled or postponed if spectators and other attendees are excluded. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shall issue guidance that shall govern scholastic athletic events. 

  1. This guidance shall take effect immediately and remain in full force and effect until the State of Emergency declared by the Governor no longer exists or the Order is rescinded, whichever is earlier.

  1. Regardless of whether an event or gathering falls within the scope of the Order, all persons are urged to maintain social distancing (approximately six feet away from other people) whenever possible and to continue to wash hands, utilize hand sanitizer and practice proper respiratory etiquette.

  1. Regardless of whether an event or gathering falls within the scope of the Order, all higher risk individuals should avoid large gatherings. Higher risk individuals include older adults, anyone with underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung disease or diabetes, anyone with weakened immune systems, and anyone who is pregnant.  

The guidance takes effect today, March 13, and for the full order, please click here.

Earlier today, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education also issued updated guidance to superintendents. Click here for the full guidance.

The Administration will continue to update the public on further developments and individuals are encouraged to consult both the Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites for the most up to date information

KENNEDY TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES


KENNEDY TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES

Watertown, MA -- Kennedy for Massachusetts Campaign Manager Nick Clemons just released the following statement:

"Effective close of business today, Kennedy for Massachusetts is temporarily suspending all campaign activities, in light of the growing threat of COVID-19. We don't believe it is appropriate or wise to continue political activities given the reality that Massachusetts families and communities are facing.  Our top priority is ensuring our staff, supporters, community, and the general public are safe.

"This suspension will last one week. We will reassess by close of business on Friday, March 20. 

"Our campaign will maintain a digital presence to ensure we are able to stay in contact with supporters and the general public as the crisis develops. This includes our digital town halls and a virtual office. We believe open lines of communication are essential. But these channels will be used exclusively to share information related to COVID-19 and the work Joe is doing."

"Congressman Kennedy will focus his time on his official capacity -- ensuring our Commonwealth and country have the resources they need to respond to this threat. He will be present as much as possible across his district and Massachusetts, working in partnership with local leaders to deliver the resources our communities needs.

"In practice, this means:
·  All Kennedy for MA offices will be closed by the end of the day.
·  All staff members will work remotely. 
·  All fundraising and voter contact will be suspended, saved for digital communication focused on COVID-19.
"The campaign notified organizers of the scheduled Western Mass News debate next week of this suspension and is hopeful all parties involved can work to reschedule."

第124屆波士頓馬拉松賽延至9月14日舉行 124th Boston Marathon Postponed to September 14

(Boston Orange)麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker),副州長白莉朵(Karyn Polito),波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Marty Walsh),波士頓體育會(BAA)執行長Thomas Grilk,約翰漢考克(John Hancock)執行長 and Marianne Harrison等人今早(313)10 15分,在波士頓市政府廣場宣佈,受COVID-19疫情影響,第124屆波士頓馬拉松賽延期至914日舉行。
波士頓體育會(The Boston Athletic Association,簡稱B.A.A.)表示,該會和州市官員一直都在定期開會,並密切關注新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)疫情發展。自從麻州州長查理貝克在310日宣佈麻州進入緊急狀況後,考慮到波士頓市長以及州市政府各層領導人員正在採取各種可能做法來保護大眾的健康,波士頓體育會理解波士頓市決定波士頓馬拉松賽不能在今年420日舉行,將全面支援以各種合理的努力,來把第124屆波士頓馬拉松賽延期到2020914日。
波士頓體育會執行長Tom Grilk表示,在公眾健康安全上,該會遵循負責保護地方公共安全單位的官方指導。該會了解自己的位置,會和伙伴們一起確保所有參加者,志願工作者,觀賽者,支持者有個符合官員們所訂定標準的安全環境。
波士頓體育會已和沿線8各市鎮的地方領導合作,為第124屆波士頓馬拉松賽在914日舉行做協調。估計吸引10,000名參加者的波士頓體育會的5000英里賽,現改為9月12日舉行。(更新版)

124th Boston Marathon Postponed to September 14

BOSTON—The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has been meeting regularly with city and state officials to discuss all updates related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Governor Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency on March 10, 2020. In consideration of this and guided by Boston Mayor Martin Walsh along with state and municipal government leaders at all levels to undertake all possible measures to safeguard the health of the public, the B.A.A. understands the city’s decision that the Boston Marathon cannot be held on April 20, 2020. We offer our full support to take all reasonable efforts to postpone the 124th Boston Marathon to Monday, September 14, 2020.

“On matters of public health and safety we take our guidance from the officials entrusted with protecting the public in this area,” said Tom Grilk, C.E.O. of the B.A.A. “We understand our role, along with our partners, in ensuring a safe environment for all participants, volunteers, spectators, and supporters that meets the standards set by those officials.”

The B.A.A. has been cooperating with municipal leaders across the eight cities and towns through which the marathon course runs to coordinate the September 14 date for the 124th Boston Marathon. The B.A.A. 5K, which draws a field of 10,000 participants, will also be rescheduled to a later date.

“The B.A.A.’s mission of promoting health through sports, especially running, has guided our organization for more than a century. In collaboration with our many partners, we look forward to welcoming the world to Boston in September in celebration of the 124th Boston Marathon,” Grilk said.

Registered participants and volunteers will receive additional information in the coming days. As this is a rapidly evolving situation, further details will be forthcoming.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Order Modifying the State’s Open Meeting Law

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Order Modifying the State’s Open Meeting Law

Order will allow state, quasi and local governments to carry out essential functions during COVID-19 outbreak


BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced an emergency order temporarily modifying the state’s open meeting law in order to allow state, quasi and local governments to continue to carry out essential functions and operations during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

This emergency order suspends the requirement for public access to the physical location where a public meeting is taking place, provided there are other means of access available. This includes the use of a phone conference line for members of the public, social media or other internet streaming services, on-line meeting services, or methods of access.

Both the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) have advised residents to take extra measures to put distance between themselves and other people to further reduce the risk of being exposed to COVID-19. Additionally, the CDC and DPH have advised high-risk individuals, including people over the age of 60, anyone with underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system, and pregnant women, to avoid large gatherings.

Additionally, the order relieves the requirement that a quorum of members be physically present at a public meeting. During this period, members may all participate by remote or virtual means.

This order is applicable to meetings of public bodies including commissions, boards, and committees that engage in policy making at the state, quasi and local level, and it does not apply to Town Meetings or judicial and quasi-judicial hearings. It follows Governor Baker’s declaration of a State of Emergency on Wednesday, March 11, and it will remain in place until rescinded or the State of Emergency is terminated.